Topsoil is the uppermost layer of the earth, typically extending up to the first six inches, and contains the highest concentration of organic matter and microbial activity. This nutrient-rich layer, a mixture of sand, silt, and clay particles, is essential for healthy plant growth. For landscaping, gardening, or construction projects requiring substantial material, topsoil is most economically purchased in bulk, measured by the cubic yard. Buying in volume allows securing the necessary material for larger areas without the higher per-unit cost of individual bags.
Understanding the Volume of 5 Cubic Yards
A single cubic yard is a volume measurement totaling 27 cubic feet (three feet long, wide, and high). Five cubic yards is a substantial quantity, equivalent to a small car or half the capacity of a standard dump truck, and requires mechanical delivery. This volume represents a significant weight that fluctuates based on moisture content and composition.
The weight of five cubic yards of topsoil generally falls between 5 and 7.5 tons. Dry, loose topsoil weighs around 2,000 pounds per cubic yard, while wet soil with high clay content can reach 3,000 pounds per cubic yard. This weight variance affects the truck’s capacity and logistical planning for delivery.
Calculating the coverage area depends directly on the depth of the application. Five cubic yards will cover approximately 540 square feet if spread to a depth of three inches. For a deeper application, such as a six-inch layer needed for new lawn seeding, the volume covers about 270 square feet.
Factors That Determine the Material Price
The base cost of topsoil, independent of delivery, is determined by its quality, composition, and screening process. Standard topsoil, often a basic mix of loam and sand, is the least expensive option, typically ranging from $10 to $30 per cubic yard. This places the material cost for five yards of standard topsoil between $50 and $150.
Higher-grade products, such as screened loam or triple-mix soil, command a greater price due to their quality. Screened loam is processed to remove large debris and weed seeds, ensuring a finer texture. Triple-mix soil is a nutrient-rich blend of topsoil, compost, and organic amendments, making it ideal for vegetable gardens. These premium materials cost between $30 and $60 per cubic yard, setting the five-yard price between $150 and $300.
The source location and market conditions also influence the price. Prices in densely populated urban areas or regions with limited local supply are often higher due to greater demand. Seasonal demand for landscaping materials, which peaks in the spring and early summer, can also cause temporary price increases.
Delivery Fees and Logistical Considerations
Delivery charges often represent a significant portion of the total cost, sometimes equaling the price of the soil itself. Suppliers typically calculate this fee using a zone system based on the distance from their yard to the delivery address. A flat fee is assigned to each distance bracket, increasing incrementally as the mileage extends into farther zones.
For a five-yard load, delivery fees commonly range from $80 to $170 for local transport. Longer distances or rural deliveries may incur a higher charge, sometimes exceeding $300. It is important to confirm if the quoted price includes fuel surcharges, which fluctuate based on current market rates.
Logistical challenges at the delivery site can introduce additional costs. A truck needs adequate clearance, usually about 13.5 feet high and 9 feet wide, to safely access the property and dump the material. If the site has limited accessibility, such as a narrow driveway, the supplier may add an extra fee or refuse to dump the material where requested.
Common Uses for 5 Yards of Topsoil
Five cubic yards is a suitable quantity for several large-scale residential landscaping and gardening projects. This volume is often purchased for building new, large raised garden beds. For example, it is enough material to fill a 200 square foot area to a depth of six inches, providing a rich medium for vegetable growth.
The volume is also used effectively for substantial lawn repair or leveling projects. Five yards will provide a three-inch layer of topsoil over approximately 540 square feet, correcting uneven spots across a large section of the yard. This is ideal for preparing the ground before laying new sod or seeding a new lawn.
In construction or major renovation projects, five cubic yards is a good volume for filling deep trenches or low-lying areas that collect standing water. Applying a blended topsoil can also improve drainage in areas with heavy, compacted native soil by mixing the new material into the top 12 inches of the ground.